The name Challock is of Saxon origin and means 'enclosure of calves'. Calves being large standing stones, some of which were used for the foundations of the Church. A considerable village was situated araound the Church in the Middle Ages. The village is now situated at the top of the hill. Many of the wells that served the old village around the Church can still be traced.

The ancient Church of St. Cosmas & St. Damian was built in the 13th Century on the site of an earlier Church. The Church boasts one of only two remaining candle beams in the country and features three sets of murals, one painted by John Ward RA in 1956, which depicts the life of Christ using villagers as models.

The Manor of Challock was given by William the conqueror to Battle Abbey and remained in its possession until Henry VIII destroyed the Abbey. Challock Lees is now owned by the Parish Council.